India were jolted by a couple of early blows but recovered to reach 84 for two in their first innings at tea on the second day of their first cricket Test against Australia here today.
After Australia were bowled out for a competitive 380, the Indian reply did not get off to the best of starts as openers Virender Sehwag (10) and Murali Vijay (2) departed in close succession.
At the break, Cheteshwar Pujara (33) and Sachin Tendulkar (38) were at the crease for the home team.
Vijay and Sehwag were dismissed by James Pattinson, who has figures of 2/16 in the three overs he has bowled, including a maiden.
Both the openers were out clean bowled. Vijay was the first to go after a 15-ball stay, which included two fours, done in by Pattinson's pace.
Sehwag quickly followed his partner back to the pavillion, failing to spot a slower one from Pattionson which bounced inside the crease and dislodged his leg stump.
But Pujara and Tendulkar steadied the rocking boat, bringing up the team's 50 in the 13th over. The two displayed patience but at the same time kept the scoreboard ticking.
They completed a half-century stand for the third wicket in 68 deliveries to rescue India from the precarious position and have so far combined to add 72 runs.
Pujara has struck five fours, one more than Tendulkar, who survived a close leg before appeal from spinner Nathan Lyon close to the tea break.
